The darkening of the skin over the forehead, bridge of nose or cheekbones during pregnancy is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Chloasma, also known as melasma gravidarum or the 'mask of pregnancy,' refers to irregular brownish patches that appear on the face and neck during pregnancy.
As described in the question, these patches commonly occur on the forehead, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones.
This hyperpigmentation is caused by increased levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which stimulate melanin production.
The condition is harmless and typically fades after delivery, although oral contraceptives can cause similar changes.

Option B: Chadwick's sign is not a skin change on the face. It is the bluish or violet discoloration of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, and vulva.
Option C: Hegar's sign is a palpable sign, not a visible skin change. It refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment (the isthmus).
Option D: Linea nigra is a line of hyperpigmentation that occurs on the abdomen, not the face.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological Skin Changes in Pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in educating expectant mothers about the normal physiological changes of pregnancy, including skin changes like chloasma.
Reassuring the patient that chloasma is a common, temporary, and benign condition can alleviate anxiety.
Patient education should include advising the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure, as UV light can darken the patches.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'darkening of the skin,' 'forehead,' 'bridge of nose,' 'cheekbones,' and 'pregnancy.'
Recognize that the question is asking for the specific medical term for a common skin change on the face during pregnancy.
Evaluate each option based on your knowledge of pregnancy-related signs.
Recall that 'Chloasma' or 'mask of pregnancy' specifically refers to facial hyperpigmentation.
Eliminate 'Chadwick's sign' as it relates to the vagina/cervix.
Eliminate 'Hegar's sign' as it is a palpable softening of the uterus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiological Skin Changes in Pregnancy
Stem keywords: darkening of the skin, forehead, bridge of nose, cheekbones, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: is called

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 40-59

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.